Short sprint, big wins for ITD sprinterns

Ten FIU students were split into two teams, each tasked with developing agile IT solutions for the County. With support from ITD staff and leaders, the teams tackled sprint challenges, explored innovative ideas and delivered actionable recommendations to help drive improvements and enhance operational efficiency.

The Integrated Hosting Team, led by IT Senior Systems Administrator Yunior Hernandez, focused on redesigning the user interface of key data reports. Their goal: improve readability and make insights more accessible to developers. The result? Smarter decision-making and more reliable, high-performing applications.  “As my first internship at Miami-Dade County IT, this is a great starting point for my IT career. It will help me gain real-world experience, work with a team, and learn directly from professionals in the field. I’m excited for the growth and inspiration this journey will bring,” said Tu Nguyen, IT major and Sprintern.

The Data and Analytics Team, led by IT Senior Systems Administrator Rosario Fiallos, analyzed financial trends within the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR). Their work supports more data-informed decision-making that can reduce costs and improve efficiency across County departments. “I felt like this internship was a great starting opportunity to get into tech, since this is my first year at FIU,” added Damiana Jeantinoble, cybersecurity major and Sprintern.

Over the course of three weeks, the Sprinterns transformed nervous anticipation into professional confidence through hands-on learning and mentorship. “This pivotal experience pushed me to grow in both technical skills and professional confidence. Although I was nervous in the beginning, after this amazing experience full of growth and development, I feel more self-assured to tackle technical tasks. I'm truly grateful for the chance to contribute to meaningful work alongside a wonderful, supportive team and amazingly dedicated mentors,” added Fabianne Olmedo, FIU student (computer science major) and Sprintern.

On May 22, both teams presented their findings and recommendations to ITD leadership, who offered constructive feedback, encouragement and career insights. Through collaboration and mentorship, the students gained practical experience in tech and agile practices, helping them identify their strengths, define their interests and make more informed career choices." This is my third year overseeing the Sprinternship, and every year these students continue to impress us,” said Agile Coach JoAnna Kelly. “The program follows agility principles to build solutions: students are empowered to collaborate as a team to build and provide solutions within a sprint. I am proud to be part of a team and program that fosters their learning and growth in technology and agility.”

The Sprinternship program was launched through Cornell Tech, in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY) and industry partners, to propel more high school and college students into tech careers through education, work experiences and community building.

ITD Assistant Director Mariaelena Salazar highlighted the impact of the program for both the students and the department during their presentations, stating, “Your perspectives and willingness to learn bring us back to the fundamentals, reminding us of the importance of curiosity and agility. It transformed your initial uncertainty into confidence, and I encourage you to keep pursuing that passion, remain curious, and let it fulfill you in ways that will lead to success.”

Special thank you to Rosario Fiallos, Yunior Hernandez, and JoAnna Kelly for leading the way for the future of tech. And to ITD’s Assistant Directors Mariaelena Salazar, Jorge Mederos, Jorge Olazabal,  Division Directors Sue Camner and Andrew Wong for their words of wisdom and professional feedback for the students.